Along with AirPlay, AirPrint was a fiercely promoted new feature in iOS 4.2, promising a powerful new printing architecture that allows iOS devices to easily and wirelessly print to any networked printer.

Don’t be surprised, though, if AirPrint is nowhere to be seen when iOS 4.2 is released on Friday: according to a report on MacStories, Apple has pulled support for AirPrint from iOS 4.2 at the last minute.

According to MacStories’ developer sources, a few days ago, Apple removed all references to AirPrint through both OS X 10.6.5 and the PC from the developer online documentation for iOS 4.2. HP networked printers are still mentioned, but it seems like if you don’t have specialized printing hardware, AirPrint is now out of the question.

Later, a developer contacted Apple Tech Support, looking for answers. According to this developer, his questions about AirPrint were answered with the following statement:

“Support for AirPrint on Windows and Mac has been cancelled. We will be in contact with you if another opportunity arises in the future.”

We’re torn. On one hand, we’re eager enough for our iPads to finally gain the OS features of the iPhone and iPod Touch that we’re glad Apple is not looking to delay iOS 4.2 for a single buggy feature alone. On the other hand, this is just the latest in a small but noticeable string of failed deliveries Apple has made lately. Is Cupertino growing too fast? Are they biting off more than they can chew?

About the author

John Brownlee is a Contributing Editor. He has also written for Wired, Playboy, Boing Boing, Popular Mechanics, VentureBeat, and Gizmodo. He lives in Boston with his wife and two parakeets. You can follow him here on Twitter.

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